Manchester United and Manchester City are preparing to carry out a player swap in the Women's Super League that has caused outrage among supporters over losing Grace Clinton and the surprise surrounding the event.

Manchester United and Manchester City are in the final stages of completing a shocking swap deal on the last day of the transfer window in the Women's Super League (WSL), expected to take place on Thursday. Unlike the Premier League, the WSL deadline extends until 11 PM, making it a hectic day for the 12 clubs as they finalize their squads for the new season.

Earlier, the women’s football transfer window saw significant moves. Canadian forward Olivia Smith became the first female player valued at one million pounds when moving from Liverpool to Arsenal. Euro 2025 star Chloe Kelly also joined Arsenal after her contract with Manchester City ended, while Chelsea signed defender Ellie Carpenter from Lyon.

However, the main focus is the agreement between Manchester United and Manchester City. According to The Guardian, Man United has agreed to transfer star midfielder Grace Clinton—who is in the final year of her contract—to Man City. In return, City’s Jess Park will move to United, but for a lower fee.

Both players represented England at Euro 2025. Clinton, 22 this year, joined Man United from Everton in 2022 and scored 8 goals in 20 appearances last season. Despite gaining Jess Park, Red Devils fans remain upset over losing another major talent following departures of Alessia Russo, Ona Batlle, and Mary Earps earlier.

One fan wrote: “Losing Grace Clinton will be a disaster! She should be the player this team is built around!!!!”. Another expressed frustration: “It’s shocking that Man Utd let Grace Clinton go to Man City. One of the most promising talents in the country. Ridiculous.” One supporter even questioned: “Why don’t we sign players on long-term contracts, or is the women’s team not part of INEOS’s plans?”.

Even former Man City captain Steph Houghton admitted surprise at the deal while speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: “I’m honestly very surprised. To me, Jess Park has always been a long-standing player at Man City, from when she was 15 or 16 until now, eight years. I want clubs to keep players like that.

But if Park needs more playing time, and Grace also needs opportunities to prove herself in the England squad under Sarina Wiegman, then perhaps this change makes sense. Both teams have very different styles but each creates a significant impact in their own way.”

This deal has not only shocked the WSL but also sparked debates about how women’s clubs protect their star players. With strong reactions from fans, the Grace Clinton - Jess Park swap will certainly be remembered as one of the most notable exchanges in English women's football history.